Yesterday, I attended a wake of my ex colleague. Gone at 48 years old.

The last time I saw her was more than 10 years back and my last words to her was, “Thanks for the flight!”

We had numerous flights together and she always assigned me next to her. Thanks for making the flights we had memorable. We had fun and laughter despite horrible flight timings.

By now I have passed the stage of attending friend’s weddings. Not even that many baby’s full month now. It never occurred to me that the next phase in life has caught up.

Sure it was not the first wake I attended. The passing of relatives are different. They were someone that I personally knew but never actually close to.

I did not feel anything in particular after hearing the news. I only forwarded the news to some and decided to attend her wake with or without the company of others. Of course tombang some white gold as well.

My eyes were wet and my heart was heavy when I saw her picture on the screen outside the funeral hall.

Tears started rolling as I held the joss stick while paying my last respect. I was unable to speak and I left the funeral hall as soon as I got hold of myself.

My heart goes out to her children who went out of the hall to cry because they did not want her to see them sad.

I am sorry we had to meet this way. I have always wondered how you were getting on. I did not ask you out because I was afraid it would be awkward.

Thanks for your guidance and the many fun and memorable flights. Rest In Peace and may we meet again in our next life.